TX4-002: Antique Japanese Uchikake Outer Wedding Cape Early 19th Century

Antique Japanese Uchikake Outer Wedding Cape Early 19th Century. This highly decorated Cape is meant to be worn as an outer garment on formal occasions - primarily during weddings. It is decorated with symbols from Chinese lore that were present in Japanese art since ancient times. When the animals are shown on rocky islands amid waves, as here, they signify Mount Penglai (or Horai in Japanese), a realm of the immortals believed to lie off the southeast coast of China. The bamboo plants, evergreen pine boughs and plum flowers - beloved as the first to bloom each year - constitute the mythic islands' "Three Friends of Winter" - another emblem of endurance that augments the favorable symbolism.

We also have a fine example of a Japanese Uchikake Robe - see TX4-001. Examples of Japanese Uchikake Robes similar to this one are held in the collections of the New York Metropolitan Museum of Art and the Nelson Atkins Museum in Kansas City Missouri.

Dimensions: Overall Height 60"; Width 50"

Condition: Overall very good condition. Missing some areas of orange interior lining.